health education

The health education at all of the centers is almost complete! I have been to Kosovo, Area II, Bobandogo, Mabatinin, Pangani, Joska, Kiamaiko, Madoya..... and now, for Bondeni.

By the time I have visited all of the schools, I will have seen every child at Missions of hope schools (at least in theory). This totals nearly 6,000 students. And while there is no way I could ever know each one of them individual, I am shocked by how well they know me. Depending on age, I will see them a total of 45 min -2 hours and a half hours. Although it may be short, it has caused a significant difference.

The difference is not in the cleanliness of the children (perhaps it is still too soon to notice a marked improvement in personal habits) but it has changed the way the community sees me. Now when I walk through communities I still hear "how are you..."* but now I also hear, "hi Leann" 

It is quite a new experience to be in a foreign country, walking down paths I have never tread before, and then hearing my name called out. At first it caught me off guard, but now I am thankful for the sweet voices that call out my name. 

I still respond to, "how are you musungu," but now this musungu has a name!

*the sing-song chant of almost every child in Mathare

Why I have the Best Job

I think there are a lot of people who might argue that they have the best job -kindergarten teachers, coaches, firefighters, pilots, physical therapists. Any one who loves their job could potentially argue that they have the best job, but what truly makes a job great should not be entirely subjective.

Instead I believe that by systematically scoring my job in different areas, I can fully prove that my job IS the best.

First we have work hours: I get to the center between 8:30 and 9:00 every morning. Bonus -I don't need to clock in. Most days we have to pick up the kids from school -around 4:00. So generally it is a short day, unless we want to stay longer. Then, with one phone call, we can arrange for that to happen.
(10/10 pts)

Secondly there is a great community of co-workers: the first 15-20 minutes of the work day I travel to each departmet greating everyone. Usually this isn't limited to a quick hand-shake and a two-line conversation, but it is a huge hug, perhaps a high 5 (unless you are dan, then it is a high "6"), and a few laughs. I find out what they have been studying from the Bible, which community they are visiting today, whether or not they had a busy evening.
(10/10 pts)

Third -actual work: It changes every day. If you are looking for a job for someone who is ADD, this is it. Nothing is the same -ever. One day I do community clean up, one day i visit hospitals, another day is evangelism, bible study, CHE training, health education, clinic observation, packing drugs, computer work (typing reports for kenyans), or just hanging out with whatever short-term missions team is here. I love it. The only set back is if you are one of those people who needs to wake up knowing what every minute of your day will look like -this is not the job for you.
(10/10 pts)

Fourth: If I get hungry during the day, i just walk outside and buy a banana, or a mango for the equivalent of 6 cents. I don't have to pack my lunch -ever! (although there are some days when i wish i could, but that is just one small blip)
(9.5/10 pts)

Fifth: What I do is long-lasting. I get to impact the lives of people in a very real way. Children or adults, I get to make a difference, and I know that what I am doing is not overlooked by my heavenly father. I get to see the excitement of someone coming to Christ. I get to witness spiritual and and physical healing. Ok, so i might not get paid, which could make this job a lot less appealing to many people, but there is payment other than physical cash. I've got a reward waiting for my up in heaven, so I will get to enjoy it later. Its kind of like an extended savings account -I can't touch it now, but I know that it is safe and secure.
(10/10 pts)

Sixth: set up a meeting with me for when I get back to the states, and I can tell you more about why my job is the best... perhaps over a cup of coffee, or a chicken sandwich (mmmmm, I do miss chicken)